Potato Exports

SASA advise within the Scottish Government on any issues relating to the export of Scottish potatoes.

Our work covers a wide range of technical and official activities with the overall aim to facilitate the worldwide trade in Scottish potatoes. At the same time we ensure that the Scottish Government meets its international obligations as National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO).

We are a primary source of advice for both internal and external stakeholders on potato export and related phytosanitary, technical and trade issues.

SASA develops long-term relationships with relevant authorities in importing countries to effect changes in plant health and import policies in these countries and to explore possibilities of co-operation on technical issues.

SPCS in Scotland leaflets

Seed Potato Export Missions

Inward seed potato missions are organised by SASA and AHDB Potatoes with the aim of influencing import conditions in the visitors' country, improving contacts with foreign officials and impressing the quality benefits from classification, testing, handling and inspection of seed potatoes in Scotland.

Inward mission 2014:

21-24 October 2014: Inward mission from Cuba

Inward missions in 2013:

24 - 25 June 2013: Inward mission from Saudi Arabia

5 - 6 September 2013: Inward mission from Vietnam

Inward missions in 2011:

16 - 24 June 2011: Inward mission from Malawi

20 - 24 June 2011: Inward mission from China

Inward missions in 2010:

8 – 10 March 2010: Inward mission from Turkey

29 – 31 March 2010: Inward mission from Pakistan

16 – 18 August 2010: Inward mission from Israel

8 – 10 November 2010: Inward mission from Egypt

Potato Export Data

Scotland has been exporting seed and ware potatoes around the world for many decades. Data on the volume of trade, export destinations and varieties exported are collected each month from Phytosanitary Certificates issued by the Scottish Government.

The changes in volume of seed potatoes exported from Scotland since 2000 are shown in the chart below.

Export Statistics give a summary of the Scottish potato trade to countries requiring a Phytosanitary Certificate. All figures exclude trade with countries which are currently members of the European Union. However, they include exports to the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain but have a special phytosanitary status within the EU.

The main export destinations for Scottish seed potatoes for season 2016-2017 are reflected in the chart below:

Detailed information on seed or ware potato export volumes, destinations and varieties can be accessed by choosing the corresponding Excel file below:

Potato Export Conditions

Scotland exports seed and ware potatoes to more than 40 different countries around the world. Information on the conditions and phytosanitary requirements for the importation of Scottish potatoes into individual countries outside the EU can be found on the Scottish Government website.